​Throughout the years Hoop and I have had some dudes we have been pretty big fans of for one reason or the other (keep in mind this is pre ALGORITHM). So here are six draft busts that at the time we really liked… hit us back with some guys you liked that turned into busts.

Jonny FlynnIt’s always sad when you google a former player’s name and he isn’t even on the first page of google results…JONNY where’d ya go brother? The former orangeman was hard-nosed PG that rocked a dope headband that had the swagger of guy that didn’t think anyone in the world could guard him. If I am being honest with myself, I actually was hoping he would slip to the Warriors (the year GSW drafted Steph Curry)!! That would have changed the fate of the Bay’s franchise quite a bit had that happened. Anyway, I loved Jonny Flynn and here is an excellent clip that sums up so much of way I loved him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHY4vduNoRoNotice: the shaking of the head post dunk — NOBODY CAN GUARD ME!

Anthony BennettThe next Charles Barkley??? Nope, just an overweight prospect with asthma. At the time, I really thought AB could be a Barkley type player. Evidence here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUYOGrLwrl0 HOLY SMOKES this dude could throw down with power! I just imagined him running the one-man break a la Barkley in the pros and being unstoppable.. Nobody is stepping in the way of a man that large moving that fast. Sadly, health issues got in the way for ol Anthony to make an impact at the professional level… It’s interesting to think about the hypothetical situation of him slipping to the second round…maybe he has a chip on his shoulder, maybe he stays in shape, maybe he learns to be a beast defender, maybe, maybe, maybe??! It’s crazy how much situation factors impact the development of a young talent. Good luck out there AB!

Thomas RobinsonT-ROB is one of Hoop’s all time favorites and actually his algorithm points to why he was/is still a great prospect. Unfortunately he has played for six teams in his first five season in the NBA. Hard to find your place and get comfortable out there when you aren’t established in the rotation. I really hope Thomas makes a leap sometime soon otherwise he could find himself playing In China or Europe real quick. I love this recent article posted by Hoop Hype (http://hoopshype.com/2017/07/02/free-agent-thomas-robinson-looking-for-opportunity-stability/) where Robinson says he could be a top 5 rebounder in the league. I agree with him. What’s to say Thomas Robinson couldn’t be a better version of Tristan Thompson??? Time will tell on this one but as of right now he lands on the list because he has yet to find the right home.

Benny MacSimilar to Thomas Robinson, Benny has yet to find the right home. Getting stuck in the slums of Sacramento being ruled by an awful dictator, yes I am looking at you KING BOOGIE! It’s pretty hard to develop young players when you have a bully as your top player that actively seeks out young players to make them not feel comfortable within the organization. I hope Benny Mac can make a splash with Memphis. His athleticism and pure shooting form are special if he gets enough run he might just find a spot in the rotation in Memphis. Hopefully Coach Fiz can teach him how to be an NBA defender.

Ike DioguIn 2005 the Warriors selected Ike Diogu out of Arizona State with the 9th overall pick. Initially I was pretty bummed about the pick because I was enamored by Danny Granger and really wanted the DUBS to select him with the 9th pick. But after reviewing Ike and his stats in college I really become convinced he could be the next Elton Brand. Unfortunately he did not pan out but he has played really well in CHINA ;) recently winning a CBL championship over there.

Yi JianlianI was one of the many guys that fell in love with his workout! But in retrospect the way he runs looks off to me… I think i fell in love with the fact that he was working at UCLA and his jumper looked nice. Here take a look for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyADXpenxzU

Biggest lesson upon reflection… don’t full in love with a work out video/highlight reel when analyzing a NBA prospect. Must use the golden three rule:-How does his advance stats look?-Does he pass the eye test? (Shooting stroke, effort, running style, bench behavior)-What's he like outside the game? (who are the five guys he hangs out the most with--what're they like, how attractive is his significant other, what's his relationship like with his parents/family)